Tea for Your Pressure

If you are taking drugs for high blood pressure, you may want to put on a steaming cup of tea instead. In a study conducted at Boston's Tufts University, 65 people were observed to see how hibiscus tea affected their blood pressure levels. On average, the tea lowered the systolic blood pressure, the top number of your blood pressure reading, by seven points, comparable to the effects of standardized blood pressure medication. Popular throughout Africa, especially the eastern region, hibiscus tea is made from the leaves of the hibiscus plant. Also known as bissap (in West Africa), sorrel (in the Caribbean) and karkady (in the Middle East), hibiscus contains high levels of vitamin C and organic acids and has historically been used as a medicine. Luckily, even if you are not familiar with this particular tea, it is quite easy to find, because most tea blends contain it. So drink up and don't forget to make some for your loved ones.